Judd Ofelt calculation of quantum efficiencies and branching ratios of Nd3+ doped glasses

This paper presents the optical characterization of Nd3+ lead silicate glasses (SiO2–Na2CO3–PbO–ZnO), synthesized by means of the fusion method. Absorption, luminescence, lifetime and Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed in order to determine the radiative properties of the glasses. The near infrared luminescence exhibited the typical Nd3+ bands, particularly the band at 1060 nm (4F3/2 → 4I11/2). The calculated branching ratios for the 4F3/2 level are: β (9/2) = 35%, β (11/2) = 55%, β(13/2) = 9.5% and β (15/2) = 0.5%. The estimated quantum efficiency was about 90%, based on comparison with the Judd Ofelt theory and experimental lifetime measurements.